The 10 best beaches in Tenerife
According to recent stats, roughly two-thirds of the island’s tourists spend time on one of the 100-plus beaches that frame Tenerife’s 342-kilometre coastline. Like the island itself, these sand and pebble stretches possess a multitude of varying personalities – from the big and brash to the shy and retiring and from the naturally gorgeous to the cosmetically created.
As well as including some of the biggest and most well-known in our top 10, we’ve also added a few hidden gems that are definitely worth lugging all your beach paraphernalia that extra few yards.
For more Tenerife inspiration, see our guides for hotels, restaurants, bars and nightlife and attractions.
Jump to beaches on the:
East Coast
Playa de Las Teresitas, Santa Cruz
Probably the most Instagramed of all the island’s beaches thanks to the profusion of palm trees sprouting from the golden sand (imported from the Sahara), Playa de Las Teresitas is located in the fishing village of San Andrés, just north of the capital, Santa Cruz.
How to get there: Catch the 110 bus from Costa Adeje to Santa Cruz (a 1-hour journey), then hop on the 910 for a 20-minute ride to the beach.
Insider tip: There’s a whole block of cheap and cheerful eateries nearby. The paella at Marisqueria Ramón is particularly recommended.
Playa del Médano, El Médano
If you’re into watersports that incorporate any kind of board, Playa del Médano is your go-to. Thanks to the winds that whip this laid-back eastern town, kitesurfing and windsurfing are the two favourites on this 2-kilometre (1.2-mile) stretch of sand.
How to get there: The 470 bus meanders from Los Cristianos to El Médano. Alternatively, take the 111 from the main resorts then change to the 408 in San Isidro.
Insider tip: Restaurante Playa Chica on the water’s edge is the top spot for cheap mojitos after a hard day’s sunbathing.
Playa Grande, El Poris
This quiet, secluded beach far from the tourist spots offers a mix of sand and pebble stretches. The beach is only small and can get crowded with locals in summer, but it’s a great spot to tan with the Tenerifians.
How to get there: Best reached by car, Playa Poris lies off exit 39 on the TF-1 motorway. Parking is available just off the church plaza.
Insider tip: If you’re new to surfing, this is one of the best, and safest, beaches for learning. Bring your own board though as there are no rental facilities here.
South Coast
Playa del Duque, Costa Adeje
At the posh end of Costa Adeje, Playa del Duque is probably the second most photographed beach on the island. Expect golden sand (dredged from the ocean bed) and a plethora of quality restaurants lining the boardwalk.
How to get there: If you’re staying in the south, just follow the lovely promenade walkway until you see the Casa del Duque, a beautiful private residence atop a beachside promontory.
Insider tip: Shoppers should visit the swanky Plaza del Duque for designer buys, or the cute Centro Comercial El Mirador for crafty souvenirs (only open on Sundays).
Playa las Vistas, Los Cristianos
Playa las Vistas provides the full package for family outings, with broad swathes, water sports, shower/toilet facilities, and gentle waves courtesy of the breakwaters. Excellent lifeguard facilities for the disabled include assisted ocean access. The San Telmo centre has dozens of bars and restaurants overlooking the beach.
How to get there: Parking can be challenging, so going on foot or by taxi is your best bet.
Insider tip: Set your stall out at the southern tip for the most elbow space; you’ll also be close to the lovely Chiringuito Atlanticus beach bar and restaurant.
Playa Fañabe, Costa Adeje
With soft sand and calm waters, this is a popular choice for families holidaying with children of the bucket-and-spade age. Amenities include loungers, brollies and a variety of water toys from pedalos to parasailing. Behind the beach are a huge number of bars, restaurants and shops, plus play areas for children.
How to get there: Easily accessible by buses 467 and 471 and with easy accessibility and paid parking.
Insider tip: When the sun starts to set, grab a frosty cocktail and listen to some chilled DJ sounds at one of its three beach clubs.
Playa el Camisón, Playa de las Américas
Centrally located off ‘The Golden Mile’ in Playa de las Américas, this quiet, pretty beach has calm waters and a palm tree backdrop. At one end lie pedalos and kayaks, at the other, a fab tiki hut-style bar serving food and drinks.
How to get there: Parking can be a pain for this beach so you’re better off walking from your hotel or grabbing a taxi.
Insider tip: If you want to chill by the ocean but aren’t a fan of sand, there’s also a grassy verge overlooking the beach.
West Coast
Playa Abama, Guia de Isora
Cradled by cliffs on the Guia de Isora coastline, this is one of the prettiest beaches on the island and features soft imported sand. It also houses a good quality beach restaurant.
How to get there: Take the 473 from the southern towns, then it’s a pretty walk past gardens to 280, steep access steps (resort guests can use the funicular).
Insider tip: You can actually drive through the resort and down to the beach but only to drop off your inflatables et al. You’ll then have to drive back up, park and walk back down.
Playa La Jaquita, Alcalá
One of the newest beaches in Tenerife, the black sands of La Jaquita Beach in Alcalá are reached via strolling along the scenic Alcalá promenade. The beach is rarely crowded and is popular amongst locals for swimming and sunbathing. A lifeguard is on duty, and toilets, changing rooms and a bar are available.
How to get there: The 477 and 473 buses from the south stop in this west coast fishing village. Just head to the oceanfront and follow the promenade north.
Insider tip: The nearby rock pools just off the promenade are also worth a plunge.
Playa de Diego Hernández, Costa Adeje
Known locally as ‘hippy beach’ due to the free-spirited travellers who used to reside here, this cosy cove is favoured by those in the know… and those in the buff. If you’re au fait sharing with naturists, it’s one of the island’s prettiest natural beaches.
How to get there: The 447, 452 and 467 buses pass through La Caleta. From there it’s an undulating 25-minute walk over hills and scrubland.
Insider tip: La Caleta village is the foodie centre of the south. Make time for fresh seafood at one of its waterfront restaurants.
For bus timetables see Titsa.com
